Hurling wrap: Limerick overpower Kilkenny as Wexford edge Tipperary
Monday 18 February 2019 06:11, UK
Limerick recorded a statement win by thrashing Kilkenny in Nowlan Park, while Wexford completed a comeback victory over 14-man Tipperary.
Kilkenny 0-15 Limerick 2-18, Division 1A
The meeting between the reigning league and All-Ireland champions at Nowlan Park started at a frantic pace, as the teams traded scores. However, as the half wore on, the Treaty began to gain a real foothold.
As the clock ticked on towards half-time, John Kiely's men landed a quick-fire combination to knock their hosts to the canvas. Less than a minute separated goals from Na Piarsaigh duo Shane Dowling and Conor Boylan, as Limerick pushed on to lead by nine at the break.
Any hope of a Kilkenny fightback was quickly eliminated by their visitors, as Limerick rattled off the first four points of the second half and worked their way into a 14-point lead. However, the Cats battled on and brought it back to nine at the end.
Wexford 1-15 Tipperary 1-14, Division 1A
A goal just seconds after throw-in from Seamus Callanan set the tone in the early stages for Tipperary, as they looked for their second win of the campaign.
Liam Sheedy's charges led by four at the break, despite losing Noel McGrath to a red card. The Premier kicked on in the third quarter to make it 1-11 to 0-7.
However, a Wexford goal from Seamus Casey swung the momentum, as Davy Fitzgerald's charges scored 1-4 without reply to bring it back level, 1-11 apiece. From there, the sides traded scores with the game going down to the wire.
The Yellowbellies took the lead for the first time in the game in the 74th minute with an Aidan Nolan point, and they held out for the win.
Galway 0-20 Dublin 1-11, Division 1B
Galway established a commanding lead in the first half, as they raced to a 0-10 to 1-1 advantage. Danny Sutcliffe's goal kept the visitors in touch at Pearse Stadium, as the Tribesmen made full use of a first-half wind to lead by seven at the break.
From there, Dublin couldn't claw their way back, as the Tribesmen kept their visitors at arm's length to win by six points and move into second place in Division 1B.
Division 2A
Meath beat London 3-16 to 3-10, while Westmeath continued their winning start, beating Antrim away, 1-17 to 1-15. Kerry were too strong for Mayo in Tralee, winning 3-18 to 0-9.
Division 2B
The top of the table clash between Kildare and Derry saw the Oakleafers shock last year's Christy Ring Cup champions, with the Ulster side winning 0-21 to 1-16. Wicklow beat Donegal 2-14 to 0-15, while Down accounted for Warwickshire, 1-16 to 0-11.
Division 3A
Roscommon beat Armagh, 0-18 to 1-11, as Monaghan overcame Tyrone, 4-12 to 2-13.
Division 3B
Longford were too strong for Leitrim, winning 2-18 to 0-16, and Sligo overpowered Cavan, 4-19 to 2-6.
